X-Ray Imaging Exposure Guides for Dose-Limited Partial Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging apparatuses, particularly X-ray apparatuses, often result in excessive X-ray irradiation, which can be harmful to patients and operators, and there is a need for technologies to prevent such overexposure.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that displays a top indicator and guidelines for setting X-ray exposure limits, allows user input for adjusting these limits, and partitions the exposure area into regions for partial photographing operations, using automatic exposure control (AEC) markers and collimators to optimize X-ray radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the X-ray exposure area is increased to capture more anatomical structures, then the diagnostic information is improved, but the X-ray irradiation dose to the patient increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the X-ray exposure area into multiple selectable regions (e.g., head, neck, chest, abdomen) using visual guidelines and indicators on the display screen. This allows the system to segment the overall exposure area into smaller, clinically relevant zones, enabling selective imaging of only the necessary anatomical structures rather than exposing the entire area, thus reducing unnecessary radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary planning by displaying guidelines and indicators that show the intended exposure area before actual X-ray exposure occurs. The controller provides visual feedback about the planned exposure boundaries, allowing the operator to adjust and confirm the exposure area in advance. This preliminary visualization ensures that the exposure area is optimized to capture only the necessary diagnostic information, preventing excessive irradiation before it happens.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the exposure area is reduced to minimize X-ray irradiation, then the safety is improved, but the diagnostic information may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by displaying guidelines and indicators that show exactly what area will be exposed and what diagnostic structures will be captured. The controller monitors the relationship between the exposure area boundaries and the visible anatomical structures, providing feedback to the operator about whether the selected area is sufficient for diagnosis. This feedback mechanism ensures that the exposure area is reduced to the minimum necessary while still capturing all required diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of exposure area parameters by enabling operators to modify the boundaries of the exposure region based on clinical needs. The guidelines and indicators can be repositioned and rescaled to optimize the exposure area for different diagnostic scenarios. This parameter flexibility allows the system to adapt the exposure area to the minimum necessary size while ensuring complete capture of the required anatomical structures for accurate diagnosis.
3Ease of operation
If manual control of exposure area is provided for flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of excessive irradiation due to human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality by automatically calculating and displaying the appropriate exposure area boundaries based on pre-defined guidelines and anatomical landmarks. The controller automatically adjusts the exposure region to match standard diagnostic requirements, reducing the burden on operators to manually determine correct exposure areas. This automated guidance system maintains operational flexibility while preventing human error that could lead to excessive irradiation, as the system self-corrects to ensure proper exposure boundaries.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces excessive X-ray irradiation by allowing precise control over exposure areas and doses, enhancing safety for patients and operators while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
An X-ray apparatus may acquire X-ray images of an object by transmitting X-rays emitted from an X-ray source through an object and detecting a difference in intensities of the transmitted X-rays via an X-ray detector
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical imaging apparatus is provided. The medical image apparatus includes an output unit; and a controller configured to control the output unit to display an image obtained by photographing an object and to display, over the image, a top indicator for setting a top limit for an area to be X-rayed and at least one guideline indicating a bottom limit for the area to be X-rayed according to the top indicator and the number of partial photographing operations.